Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAn international team, including National Museums Scotland, has discovered a new species of Jurassic reptile fossil on the Isle of Skye. Named Breugnathair elgolensis, meaning 'false snake of Elgol', the creature lived about 167 million years ago. The reptile possessed snake-like jaws and recurved teeth, yet maintained the limbs and proportions of a lizard. This fossil is among the oldest and most complete Jurassic lizards known, suggesting it could be an ancestor to all lizards and snakes. Lead author Dr Roger Benson noted that its unique features might indicate snake ancestors were different from expectations or evolved early predatory habits. In fullFossil reveals new species of ancient Jurassic reptile which roamed UKThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Isle of Skye fossil could be ancestor to all lizards and snakes
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAn international team, including National Museums Scotland, has discovered a new species of Jurassic reptile fossil on the Isle of Skye. Named Breugnathair elgolensis, meaning 'false snake of Elgol', the creature lived about 167 million years ago. The reptile possessed snake-like jaws and recurved teeth, yet maintained the limbs and proportions of a lizard. This fossil is among the oldest and most complete Jurassic lizards known, suggesting it could be an ancestor to all lizards and snakes. Lead author Dr Roger Benson noted that its unique features might indicate snake ancestors were different from expectations or evolved early predatory habits. In fullFossil reveals new species of ancient Jurassic reptile which roamed UKThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
